Stella Alpina
4.0
Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
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About
Stella Alpina sits at 1,840m in the Carnic Alps, in the Julian Alps system of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Reach it from Paularo via the Val Pesarina; allow 3.5 hours on foot from the valley floor. The trail climbs steadily through beech forest before opening onto Alpine meadow. You can also approach from the east via Forni Avoltri in 2.5 hours if coming from that direction. The hut works well as a base for ridge walking on the Carnic crest or as a night stop on multi-day traverses crossing the region.
The hut runs 50 beds across simple rooms. The kitchen serves home-cooked meals at dinner and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring; the hut has a wood stove for winter warmth, though heating can be unreliable outside high season. Toilets are basic. Open year-round but staffing drops sharply from November to April—phone ahead before winter visits. The AVS (Alpine Association of South Tyrol) manages the hut, though it draws walkers from across the region.
Book direct by phone or email at least two weeks ahead for July and August. The hut fills on weekends during summer. March to May and September to October see lighter use and easier availability. Winter ascents require prior arrangement and weather assessment. Expect to pay cash on arrival unless you've booked a group.
The hut runs 50 beds across simple rooms. The kitchen serves home-cooked meals at dinner and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring; the hut has a wood stove for winter warmth, though heating can be unreliable outside high season. Toilets are basic. Open year-round but staffing drops sharply from November to April—phone ahead before winter visits. The AVS (Alpine Association of South Tyrol) manages the hut, though it draws walkers from across the region.
Book direct by phone or email at least two weeks ahead for July and August. The hut fills on weekends during summer. March to May and September to October see lighter use and easier availability. Winter ascents require prior arrangement and weather assessment. Expect to pay cash on arrival unless you've booked a group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book by phone as soon as your dates are set, especially for weekends and July–August; contact details are on rifugio.it or through the local CAI section. Phone ahead to confirm availability and discuss any dietary requirements.
Staffed through the summer season (typically June to September); confirm exact opening and closing dates by phone before planning your trip, as Alpine weather can affect operations.
Approach from Paularo via Val Pesarina in 3.5 hours, or from Forni Avoltri in 2.5 hours; both are straightforward valley-to-hut routes with steady climbing. The hut sits at 1,840m on the Carnic Alps crest.
Expect dorm beds and hot meals (book dinner when you arrive or book ahead); shower facilities are basic—typical for Alpine rifugios at this elevation. Bring a sleeping liner to comply with hut hygiene standards.
Yes for fit hikers and families comfortable with 3–4 hours of steady climbing; the Val Pesarina approach is well-marked and not technical. It's ideal as a first hut night or base for ridge walks on the Carnic crest.
Location
46.5146, 12.9274
HutLists Score
4.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Activities
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